I'll be honest -- Lyme disease scares the hell outta me. As someone who grew up in a home surrounded by woods, going to summer camp, it's always been something that was talked about in my household. And after listening to Real Housewife Yolanda Foster talk about her battle with the disease at last night's Time for Lyme Gala in Connecticut, I am blown away.

Diagnosed with Lyme disease back in January, the Real Housewife experienced a lot of the scary side effects from the disease: exhaustion, joint pain, insomnia, and neurological malfunctions. She said it felt like she had an infection in her brain. I can't even imagine how difficult it must be not to do simple things like process information, watch TV, or write -- trapped by an illness.

But she did it. And now, she's stronger for it. Watch Yolanda's speech, here:

Wow. A survivor's story is always so powerful, no matter what disease they have conquered. Yolanda's strength is truly admirable. To be able to come from a point of not being able to think straight, then stand up there poised with confidence inspiring those that can't do the same ... that's just amazing.